What is COVID-19?

Coronavirus disease 2019, or COVID-19, is a disease that can cause what doctors call a respiratory tract infection. It can affect your upper respiratory tract (sinuses, nose, and throat) or lower respiratory tract (windpipe and lungs). What does COVID-19 Stand for? CO- Corona; VI- Virus; D- Disease; 19- Year of Outbreak​HOW IS IT SPREAD?

The COVID-19 outbreak quickly spread around the world. It spreads the same way other coronaviruses do, mainly through person-to-person contact. Infections range from mild to serious.​​

What are the Symptoms?

Symptoms range from mild – like the flu and other common respiratory infections – to severe. The most common symptoms include: fever, cough, difficulty breathing, muscle aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat & runny nose. Complications from the 2019 novel coronavirus can include serious conditions, like pneumonia or kidney failure, and in some cases, death.

What to do if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19

Please do not visit an assessment centre unless you have been referred by a health care professional.

Do not call 911 unless it is an emergency​

PREVENTIONWhat You Need To Know To Keep Yourself And Your Family Safe

Wash Your Hands Throughly and Often ​Wash often with soap & water for at least 20 seconds. Scrub every spot, including the back of your hands, palms, under the nails and between your fingers. If soap and water are not available use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Disinfect Clean & disinfect frequently touched objects/surfaces (i.e. the doorknob when you come home, tables, remotes, phones etc.) You can use soap and water, bleach, Lysol or other wipes.

Avoid Close Contact Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Keep a distance of 6 feet from others while grocery shopping or going for walks. Even at home you should try and keep a distance of 2 metres (6 ft) from each other and avoid crowds.

Stay Home ​Although it may be difficult, it is essential to keep one another safe. People with other chronic health conditions (immunocompromised, diabetes, etc.) may be more vulnerable if they get COVID-19. Think of other ways to socialize and visit with family or friends.

Cover your Cough/Sneeze Cough or sneeze into a tissue, then immediately throw the tissue in the garbage and wash your hands. If you don't have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your sleeve or elbow, NOT your hands.